Murcielago LP640 |
Goodwood, West Sussex, England - Lamborghini is to show off its new Murcielago LP640 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next weekend; it will be driven up the
hill climb circuit by test-driver Valentino Balboni.
Lamborghini will also bring its Miura Concept car, designed by Walter de'Silva and first seen at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year, although this will be on static display in the Cartier Style et Luxe paddock alongside original Miura models. Lamborghini stresses that there are no plans to recreate the classic Miura and to put this concept into production, but if enough wealthy Festival-goers express an interest, you never know...
| Goodwood Festival of Speed -
INTERACTIVE HILLCLIMB
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Lamborghini Miura -
Lamborghini's long-rumored Miura concept car marks the 40th anniversary of the launch of the original Miura in 1966. Besides reviving the Miura name, this car has shared its P400 codename and it is remarkably similar to the original in its overall dimensions and styling. Like the Dodge Challenger concept and Ford's reborn GT, it's a recreation of a classic rather than a reinterpretation.
However, while the 1966 Miura was designed by Marcello Gandini and Bertone's Giorgetto Giugiaro, this reincarnation is the work of Walter de' Silva, who has, says Lamborghini, "redesigned every aspect of the car while remaining absolutely faithful to the original form."
Murcielago LP640 |
De' Silva said: "Over the last two years, I have often dreamed of redesigning the Miura. Now, thanks to my new position at the head of Lamborghini design, and the enthusiastic support of the Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann, I have been able to turn that dream into reality."
Lamborghini has stressed that at the moment, this Miura is "strictly a concept", and that no date has been set for production. But the prototype has been engineered on a version of the Gallardo's
aluminum spaceframe chassis, lengthened for a roomier cabin, and some sources suggest it has been designed with a view to limited production. The Gallardo base means that unlike the original Muira, the engine is a longitudinal V10 instead of a transverse V12, but an all-new 6.0-litre V12 has also been
rumored which could give a phenomenal 1,000bhp, according to Car magazine. A new seven-speed sequential-shift transmission is under development, but sadly for purists, the Gallardo's four-wheel drive layout is more likely than rear-wheel drive, as in the original.
However, an all-new 6.0-litre V12 has also been rumored - which could give a phenomenal 1,000bhp, according to Car magazine. A new seven-speed sequential-shift transmission is under development, but sadly for purists, the Gallardo's four-wheel drive layout is more likely than rear-wheel drive, as in the original.
Murcielago LP640 |
If given the green light for production, the Miura could appear on sale fairly quickly, perhaps even next year. It'll be ready ahead of the upcoming Lambo SUV (an LM002 retread) and the equally retro "new Espada", which is said to be unlikely before 2009. Quite why Lamborghini feels it needs to recreate an old and semi-sacrosanct supercar when it makes excellent new ones is another matter altogether, though. After all,
you'd hardly expect Ferrari to recreate the 250 GTO. It seemed, from the mood of the show, that the critics agree. The new Muira is a beautiful-looking car, but applause on its unveiling was notably absent.
- Channel 4 - ArtsyStuff Magazine
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